Over 70,000 Dark Knight fans have called on producers Warner Bros to cancel plans to cast the two time Oscar winner after fierce backlash.

Affleck, 41, was announced as the next Caped Crusader on Friday and is set to star alongside Henry Cavill in the next Superman movie out in 2015.

The petition, on website Change.org, says: "His acting skill is not even close to being believable as Bruce Wayne and he won't do the role justice.

Affleck is set to star alongside Henry Cavill in the Man of Steel sequel

Christian Bale declined to reprise the role of Bruce Wayne in the next Batman film

"He's not intimidating enough for the role of Batman. Batman is someone that strikes fear in the hearts of men.

"His portrayal of Daredevil was atrocious and he's not remotely close to an action star or a superhero.

"Please find someone else and deliver to the fans what they want."The founder of the petition, John Roden, added he respects Affleck's work and does not intend to harm his career, but feels he is inappropriate for the role.

Affleck has reportedly signed up for multiple Batman movies, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Twitter users vented their anger at the news of his casting, with #BetterBatman trending on the social networking site.

Previous Batman stars Val Kilmer and Adam West offered their support for Affleck on the site along with Avengers Assemble director Joss Whedon.